Ian McGibbon (editor): The Oxford Compainion to New Zealand Military History

(Oxford University Press)

$89.95

Review: Gilbert Wong

At a time when defence policy seems confused - upgraded Orions or infantry radios - the publication of this thorough reference work could not have been more relevant.

Despite this country's distance from foreign wars, we have never been shy in turning up for battle from Hongi Hika to East Timor.

The East Timor entry is timely: "The prospect of a prolonged deployment highlighted the limited capabilities of the Army, and seemed to bear out arguments of those who called for a refocusing of defence expenditure away from such capital items as frigates and combat aircraft to the upgrading of the Army's capabilities, an approach which overlooked the importance of sea and air power in providing the framework ... "